Weekend Trip to Pattadakal, Karnataka

Famous for

Temples and Archeological

Weather

Summer 22 to 40°C

Winter 10 to 32°C

Distance / Traveling Time

From Bangalore: 444 kilometers / 7 h ,14 m

Best Time To Visit

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

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Nov

Dec

Overview

Located in the Bagalkot district in the state of Karnataka, Pattadakal is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are best known for their intricate architecture. Built in the 8th century, this town is home to an array of temples exhibiting a seamless blend of Dravidian and Nagara Style of Architecture. The temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Pattadakal is also famous for its festivals. Most of the festivals are annual events associated with the temples such as Mallikarjuna Temple Festival, Virupaksha Temple Car Festival and Chalukya Utsava, a three day dance festival.

How to Reach Pattadakal

By Train

The closest railway station is located at Badami. It is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Pattadakal. There are autos that ply from railway station to Pattadakal.

By Air

The nearest airport is located at Bangalore, which is located at a distance of 449 kilometers from Pattadakal. Here, buses and taxis are available that connect Bangalore and Pattadakal.

By Road

The National Highway 4 and Solapur-Mangalore Highway connect Bangalore and Pattadakal. The journey from Bangalore to Pattadakal via road will take around 7 hours. Pattadakal is well-connected to Bangalore via government bus services.

Attractions in Pattadakal

Galaganath Temple

Located towards the north of Virupaksha Temple, Galaganath Temple, built in the early 8th century, features a sculpture of Lord Shiva killing the demon ‘Andhakasura’. There is a Shukanasa, Navaranga and a Shiva Linga within the premises of the temple. The temple also has various small idols of Kubera and Gajalakshmi.

Jain Temple

Located on the Pattadakal-Badami Road, Jain Temple, built by Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta in typical Dravidian style, comprises of Hindu idols and exquisite structures dating back to the 9th century. The temple is believed to have been built by King Amoghavarsha or his son Krishna II.

Virupaksha Temple

One of the biggest and grandest temples dating back to 8th century, Virupaksha Temple, located in Pattadakal, was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate the victory of her husband over Pallavas. In terms of architecture, the temple is akin to the famous Kailasanatha Temple located at Kanchi. The beautiful carvings on the pillars of the temple depict various events from Puranas. The temple has the ancient idols of Hindu gods such as Lingodhbhava, Ravananugraha, Ugranarasimha and Nataraja.

Mallikarjuna Temple

Built by Trailokyamahadevi, the second wife of King Vikramaditya, in the 7th century, Mallikarjuna Temple is akin to Virupaksha Temple in terms of style and appearance but comparatively smaller. The temple is located adjacent to the Virupaksha Temple and is known for exquisitely carved images on its walls and pillars.

Papanatha Temple

Located on the southern end of Virupaksha region, Papanatha Temple was constructed by Badami Chalukyas and dates back to 680 AD. The idols of Nandi and Virabhadra are located next to the entrance of the inner hall. The temple walls are decorated with the exquisite carvings of females and couples.